A gateway to the many treasures of the north, Polokwane is a mesmerizing blend of history and modernity in the bustling center of South Africa’s Limpopo Province. A short distance from Johannesburg and the well-known Kruger National Park, Polokwane is a vital destination for both tourists and culture vultures. Through a variety of monuments, museums, and vibrant cultural venues, its year-round beautiful weather and rich cultural tapestry are showcased, creating a striking portrait of its history and modern energy.
Polokwane serves as a starting point for a variety of natural beauties in addition to being an urban getaway. The city offers a distinctive mix of activities, from the exhilarating encounters at Meropa Entertainment World to the tranquil beauty of the Polokwane Game Reserve and the historic depths of Makapan’s Valley. Polokwane beckons with a variety of activities and sites that promise to amaze and educate every tourist, whether they are interested in experiencing the life of majestic wildlife, the peacefulness of beautiful botanical gardens, or the rich tapestry of local history and culture. See our selection of the best places to go in Polokwane.
Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum
Located just outside of Polokwane, the Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum offers an enthralling glimpse into the traditional way of life and culture of the Northern Sotho people. Through its two homesteads, or lapas, this living museum provides visitors with an authentic experience by faithfully recreating the Bakone way of life from 250 years ago. Here, you may observe directly the age-old crafts of grinding corn, generating fire, and brewing beer. The experience is engaging and informative since artisanal goods like basketry, beading, and ceramics are not only displayed but also sold.
The Bakone Malapa Museum is more than just a cultural display; its lively story is brought to life by knowledgeable interpreters and storytellers. You are taken back in time as you explore the traditional homesteads and learn about the history and way of life of the Bakone tribe. In addition to providing historical insights, the museum is a celebration of current culture, providing a window into the contemporary practices of the Northern Sotho family. Every visitor to Bakone Malapa leaves with a greater understanding and appreciation of this rich cultural tapestry thanks to its thorough tours and captivating activities, which provide an enriching trip through the heart of South Africa’s heritage.
Magoebaskloof Tubing
With Magoebaskloof Adventures, set out on an incredible adventure where tubing turns into a thrilling fusion of excitement and tranquility. This trip takes you through the breathtaking scenery of the Groot Letaba River valley, with its magnificent waterfalls tumbling into the river below, and is situated in the upper reaches of an indigenous forest. The peace of nature surrounds you as you glide from platform to platform. Every minute is an educational pleasure as knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with insights into the local flora and fauna. This journey is ideal for families, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike, offering a unique experience for people of all ages. It features colorful wildflowers, soaring Kingfishers, and a diverse environment.
As the voyage progresses, the gecko-tubing excursion provides a singular viewpoint of the breathtaking scenery of the Letaba River gorge. The trip begins deep inside the gorge and takes you over the heart-pounding rapids and into pristine rivers. While you enjoy the excitement of cliff jumping or the challenge of negotiating waterfalls, knowledgeable river guides make sure you stay safe. This voyage is an investigation of your own spirit of adventure, not just a trip through the natural world. Whether you’re on a family vacation, participating in a corporate team-building activity, or just looking for an exciting and wonder-filled day, Magoebaskloof Adventures, which is ideally situated between Polokwane and Tzaneen, is more than just a place to stop; it’s a place where lasting memories are created.
Meropa Casino & Entertainment World
Meropa Casino is the first destination on our list of things to do in Polokwane. Only a short drive from Polokwane, this location offers a top-notch gaming and leisure experience. This lively location greets guests with the promise of entertainment throughout the day, guaranteeing that the excitement of the game is always accessible because the casino floor is open every day to accommodate both early risers and night owls.
Meropa Casino is a classy getaway into an exciting and opulent world; it’s not just another casino. With its state-of-the-art equipment, the casino provides a smooth gaming experience where smart cards take the place of conventional coin slots, offering a smooth, coinless voyage into luck and chance. The casino floor is a haven for the daring, with 12 gaming tables and 324 cutting-edge slot machines, including the captivating Dream Machine and Poker Magic. There are smoking and non-smoking sections to accommodate all tastes. Whether you prefer the strategy of Blackjack or the spin of American Roulette, Meropa Casino offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience where there is always a possibility to win big.
Bouncy Croc Crocodile farm
The Bouncy Croc Crocodile Farm, a unique location that combines adventure with family-friendly entertainment, is conveniently located near Polokwane. Entering the Bouncy Croc entryway welcomes you to a world where you may savor delectable meals at the Crocodilian restaurant and peruse a variety of mementos, including unique handmade Nile crocodile handicrafts and plush crocodile toys. There are also some delights made from crocodile meat for the brave. The farm gives guests a unique chance to get up close and personal with some of the most dangerous aquatic predators in the world.
The adventure really starts inside the commercial crocodile farm when you get to hold and interact with a baby Nile crocodile, which makes for ideal photo ops. Some of the most amazing reptiles in the world, like as the powerful Anaconda, the Ball python, and the Jungle Carmen python, may also be found at Bouncy Croc. Bouncy Croc provides visitors of all ages with a thrilling and instructive experience, complete with an expert tour guide to answer all your questions and guarantee a comfortable stay, as well as the opportunity to enjoy crocodile specialties in the first-rate restaurant.
Debengeni Falls
Debengeni Falls, tucked away in the verdant Magoebaskloof of the northern Drakensberg Mountain Range, offers a charming display of the wild beauty of nature. The Ramadipha River’s spectacular 80-meter plunge into a huge, deep pool is a beautiful demonstration of nature’s might. This tranquil sanctuary, which embodies the unspoiled charm of the Limpopo Province, provides more than simply a visual feast. It is a haven where the rich cultural tapestry and the harmony of nature’s components meet, beckoning guests to experience its serene yet potent presence.
In addition to being a visual feast, Debengeni Falls serves as a gathering place for a variety of activities that appeal to both adventurers and nature enthusiasts. With more than 40 types of native trees and a diverse wildlife that includes species like the scaly-throated honeyguide and grey wagtail, the region around the falls is a veritable gold mine of ecological richness. The demanding 17-kilometer Debengeni Downhill Ride provides mountain bikers with an exciting adventure through tea plantations and jungles for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, though, as the rocks at the base of the waterfall are infamously slick, underscoring the importance of being mindful of one’s safety while taking in Limpopo’s natural grandeur.
Polokwane Game Reserve
One of South Africa’s largest municipal reserves, the Polokwane Game Reserve is tucked away on the outskirts of Polokwane and serves as a sanctuary for both nature lovers and animal aficionados. The 52 animal species that call this expansive sanctuary home graze freely among the bushveld and meandering trails. In addition to the almost 200 bird species that make this region a thriving avian paradise, visitors are frequently ecstatic to see the endangered white rhino, gorgeous sable antelope, and graceful giraffes. Offering a wide variety of over 110 varieties of grasses, 280 floral species, and 68 distinct trees, the reserve is not only a wildlife haven but also a testament to the preservation of the Pietersburg Plateau fake grassland, making it a popular destination for ecotourism.
Beyond only protecting wildlife, the Polokwane Game Reserve serves as a starting point for discovering the region’s distinctive ecosystems and abundant biodiversity. Because of its closeness to Johannesburg, it is the perfect getaway for urbanites looking to get away from it all. The reserve allows tourists to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil African nature by providing a variety of walking trails, including a strenuous 20-kilometer journey with overnight accommodations. Everyone finds the wide stretches of open grassland and acacia trees, where several game species and white rhinos are frequently sighted, to be an exciting experience.
Splash Polokwane
A shining example of entertainment, Splash Polokwane provides a wide variety of activities for people of all ages. Excitation develops through a variety of super tubes, pools, and a trampoline park within this vibrant water park. Family groups and friends gather there for a fun-filled day of leisure. There are picnic tables and braai spaces strewn around the park, ideal for those wishing to eat al fresco in the warm embrace of nature.
The spotless lawns of the park offer the perfect setting for guests to spread out their picnics and take in the shade of the tall trees. There are carefully positioned tables and benches in every corner, beckoning groups to congregate and take in the festive ambiance. The swimming pool, which is supervised by watchful lifeguards and serves as a focal point for splashing and laughter, is essential to the park’s allure. Splash Polokwane is more than simply a tourist destination; it’s a local favorite where guests can expect a mix of excitement and peace, ideal for making lifelong memories.
Polokwane Art Museum
The Polokwane Art Museum is a veritable gold mine of artistic and cultural legacy located in the center of Polokwane. This artistic haven is home to an amazing collection, which is especially strong in works by Venda, Pedi, and Tsonga artists from Limpopo. A panorama of more than a thousand pieces of art will greet visitors, each telling a story about the rich folklore and customs of the area through a range of media such as sculptures, paintings, and ceramics.
The museum displays a variety of pieces by well-known South African artists, serving as both a platform for national artists and a steward of local talent. A vibrant mix of temporary and permanent shows, frequently including provocative installations and photographic prints, fill its galleries. The repurposed artillery, which consists of melted and reshaped cannons from previous conflicts, is one very remarkable exhibit that enthralls and challenges visitors. The Polokwane Art Museum invites everyone who visits to explore the depths of South Africa’s rich artistic heritage, serving as a beacon of artistic expression and cultural preservation.